High Court orders Enoch Burke’s immediate imprisonment over school trespassing

The High Court has described former teacher Enoch Burke and his family as engaging in “the most deliberate, sustained and concerted attack on the civil courts and the rule of law in this country in recent times,” as it ordered Mr Burke’s immediate imprisonment.

The ruling, reported by RTE, came after Wilson’s Hospital School sought Mr Burke’s arrest for repeatedly breaching a High Court order by trespassing on school grounds. Mr Justice Brian Cregan said fines and security guards had failed to stop Mr Burke, leaving imprisonment as the only remaining option.

The judge also indicated that criminal contempt proceedings could be taken against Mr Burke’s brother Isaac, sister Ammi, and mother Martina for their conduct in court hearings.

Judge Cregan emphasised that the case was not about transgender issues, making clear that Mr Burke had not been directed to use particular pronouns or act against his religious beliefs. The orders focused solely on preventing him from entering the school following his dismissal for gross misconduct.

He dismissed Mr Burke’s claims that a related Court of Appeal decision undermined the orders, stating they were “utterly without merit” and emphasizing that an appeal should have been lodged at the appropriate time.

Describing the school’s situation as “poignant and powerful,” the judge noted the disruption caused to pupils, teachers, and the Board of Management. Security guards had to be hired at €1,000 per week solely to keep Mr Burke out—a cost Judge Cregan described as “grotesque behaviour,” prioritising a personal campaign over the welfare of students.

The judge also criticised Mr Burke’s behaviour in court, including a previous incident where he told the judge to “wipe that smirk off your face,” describing him as verbally aggressive and using his presence at the school as part of a deliberate strategy of confrontation.

While acknowledging the right to protest, Judge Cregan said the Burkes had “no monopoly on Christian values” and stressed that all citizens are bound by the rule of law.

The court ordered Mr Burke’s immediate imprisonment, with An Garda Síochána responsible for enforcement. The case will be reviewed by the High Court on 18 December, when Mr Burke will be produced from prison, and additional measures—including the possible temporary seizure of family vehicles—will be considered.